Most Popular Golden Buzzer Singing Auditions on AGT That Dazzled the World

The America’s Got Talent (AGT) stage has long been the ultimate battleground for dreamers, but few moments carry the weight and emotional gravity of the Golden Buzzer. Since its introduction, this coveted button has transformed lives in a split second, sending acts straight to the live shows and catapulting them into global stardom.

While AGT features magicians, dancers, and comedians, it is the singers who often deliver the most viral, soul-stirring moments. From original compositions that become anthems of hope to covers that redefine a genre, these vocalists didn’t just audition; they made history. In this deep dive, we explore the most popular Golden Buzzer singing auditions that have truly dazzled the world.

The Power of the Golden Buzzer: A Launchpad for Global Success

Before we count down the legendary performers, it is essential to understand what the Golden Buzzer represents. For a singer, the buzzer is more than a shortcut to the finals—it is a massive vote of confidence from industry titans like Simon Cowell. It triggers a “viral effect” that results in millions of YouTube views, chart-topping singles, and, in many cases, lucrative recording contracts.

In the world of professional talent scouting, the Golden Buzzer serves as a stamp of marketability. It signals to the world that an artist possesses that elusive “it factor” that transcends technical skill.

1. Kodi Lee: The Performance That Redefined “Musical Genius”

When Kodi Lee walked onto the AGT stage in 2019, the atmosphere changed instantly. Kodi, who is blind and has autism, was accompanied by his mother, Tina. The skepticism that often greets “sob stories” in reality TV was immediately silenced the moment he sat at the piano.

The Audition: “A Song for You”

Kodi’s rendition of Donny Hathaway’s “A Song for You” wasn’t just good for someone with his challenges—it was world-class by any standard. His soulful tone, perfect pitch, and raw emotional connection to the lyrics left the judges, including Gabrielle Union, in tears.

• Impact: The video became one of the most-watched auditions in the history of the franchise.
• Legacy: Kodi went on to win Season 14, proving that music is a universal language that bypasses neurological and physical barriers.

2. Nightbirde: A Lesson in Bravery and “It’s OK”

Perhaps no audition in recent history has resonated as deeply as that of Jane Marczewski, known professionally as Nightbirde. In 2021, she stood before the judges with a glowing smile, despite revealing she had a 2% chance of survival due to cancer in her lungs, spine, and liver.

The Original Song: “It’s OK”

Instead of a cover, Nightbirde performed an original track titled “It’s OK.” Her philosophy—”You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy”—became a global mantra. Simon Cowell, visibly moved, gave her his Golden Buzzer.

• Viral Status: The song shot to #1 on iTunes almost overnight.
• The Aftermath: Though she had to withdraw from the competition to focus on her health and tragically passed away in 2022, her audition remains the gold standard for emotional authenticity on television.

3. Putri Ariani: The Global Sensation from Indonesia

In 2023, Putri Ariani proved that the Golden Buzzer is a bridge between cultures. A blind singer-songwriter from Indonesia, Putri arrived with a dream of attending Juilliard and becoming a world-class artist.

The Simon Cowell Double-Down

After she performed her original song “Loneliness,” Simon Cowell did something rare: he asked for a second song. She followed up with Elton John’s “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word.” Simon was so impressed by her “glow” and vocal control that he pressed his Golden Buzzer.

• Cultural Significance: Putri became a symbol of national pride in Indonesia and a viral sensation across Asia and America.
• The Takeaway: Her success highlighted the global reach of AGT, showing that a truly great voice knows no borders.

baca juga:Dosen Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia Raih Hibah Pengembangan Modul Digital dari Kemendiktisaintek

4. Courtney Hadwin: The “Quiet Girl” with a Rock Star Soul

In 2018, Courtney Hadwin provided one of the most shocking transitions in AGT history. Appearing painfully shy during her introduction, the 13-year-old girl from England looked like she might freeze under the pressure.

The Transformation: “Hard to Handle”

The moment the music started, Courtney transformed. Channeling the energy of Janis Joplin and James Brown, she delivered a high-octane, gravelly rock performance of “Hard to Handle.” Howie Mandel, recognizing her as a “new breed” of performer, hit the Golden Buzzer.

• Market Impact: Courtney signed with Syco Entertainment and Arista Records shortly after the show.
• Why It Dazzled: It challenged the judges’ and audience’s expectations, proving that you should never judge a book by its cover.

5. Susan Boyle: The Blueprint for All Golden Buzzers

While technically a contestant on Britain’s Got Talent (BGT), Susan Boyle’s impact is inseparable from the AGT legacy, especially since her triumphant return for AGT: The Champions.

The 2019 “Champions” Moment

When Susan walked onto the AGT stage years after her initial BGT fame, she received a Golden Buzzer from Mel B. Her performance of “Wild Horses” was a masterclass in vocal maturity and poise.

• The “Susan Boyle Effect”: Every singer who walks onto the stage looking “unconventional” is compared to her. She remains the primary evidence that talent is not about the packaging, but the gift itself.

6. Angelica Hale: The Young Powerhouse

At just 9 years old, Angelica Hale showed a vocal range that rivaled seasoned divas. After surviving a life-threatening illness and a kidney transplant, her presence on the stage was a miracle in itself.

The Moment: “Girl on Fire”

Performing Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire” during the Judge Cuts, she earned a Golden Buzzer from guest judge Chris Hardwick. She later became the first-ever contestant to receive two Golden Buzzers across different seasons (the second being on AGT: The Champions).

• Legacy: Angelica’s technical precision at such a young age set a new bar for child performers on the show.

Why These Auditions Go Viral: The SEO of Emotion

From a content perspective, why do these specific singing auditions dominate our social media feeds for years?

1. High Stakes and Resilience: Each of these artists—Kodi, Nightbirde, Putri—faced significant adversity. The “underdog” narrative is a powerful psychological hook.
2. The “Shock” Factor: Performances like Courtney Hadwin’s rely on the element of surprise, which encourages social sharing.
3. Vocal Superiority: Beyond the story, the technical ability must be undeniable. These singers possess “Radio-Ready” voices.

The Evolution of the Golden Buzzer

In the early seasons, the Golden Buzzer was a simple “pass” to the next round. Today, it is a high-production event involving slow-motion gold confetti, dramatic music, and instant social media integration. For the artist, it is the start of a brand.

Singers like Grace VanderWaal (Season 11) used their Golden Buzzer moment to launch careers that included billboard-charting albums and film roles (Stargirl). This proves that the buzzer is not just a TV gimmick; it is a legitimate career accelerator.

baca juga:Mahasiswa Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia Juara Nasional Lomba Karya Ilmiah RnDC 2025

Summary of the Most Iconic AGT Golden Buzzer Singers

Final Thoughts

The most popular Golden Buzzer singing auditions on AGT do more than just entertain; they inspire. They remind us that talent can be found in the most unexpected places and that the human spirit is capable of overcoming immense odds through the power of song. Whether it’s the hauntingly beautiful original tracks of Nightbirde or the soul-shattering vocals of Kodi Lee, these performers have left an indelible mark on the world.

penulis:rinaldy